There’s almost always at least one player changing teams at the trade deadline that ultimately pays off for the World Series champion.
Is Sonny Gray that guy? Or is it J. D. Martinez? Perhaps Yu Darvish?
There’s always at least one major leaguer changing teams at the trade deadline that ultimately contributes and pays off — with a World Series championship.
Teams have less than a week to decide if they want to make a deal — whether it’s for a rental player aimed at helping a team contend in October or for a prospect to help rebuild a franchise.
The flurry of deals between now and Monday’s 4 ET non-waivers deadline will provide plenty of noise. But only the World Series will let us know which chip was most valuable.
A look at the last five World Series champions – and the crucial ingredient they added at the deadline:
2016 – Chicago Cubs acquire closer Aroldis Chapman
2015 – Kansas City Royals acquire RHP Johnny Cueto and INF/OF Ben Zobrist
2014 – San Francisco Giants acquire RHP Jake Peavy
2013 – Boston Red Sox acquire Peavy
2012 – Giants acquire OF Hunter Pence
